Three steps away, pistol and gunshots... who saved Sukhbir Badal's life?

Sukhbir Badal Firing: On December 4, 2024, at 9:30 am, a sensational incident took place in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar city. Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was posted as a sevadar as part of his religious punishment. During this time, three bodyguards were also standing with him and devotees were coming and going to the temple. Then a middle-aged man, wearing a brown jacket, mungia pants and a blue turban, entered the temple and as soon as he saw Sukhbir Badal, he slowed down his steps.

On the alert of the security guards seeing this suspicious act, the man suddenly took out a pistol from his pocket and fired at Sukhbir Badal. However, at the same time a security guard turned his palm and caught him. Due to this, the bullet did not hit Sukhbir Badal and went into the air. During this, he fired another bullet, which also went in the air. The security guards and temple sevadars showed promptness and caught the man.

Panic after firing

After the firing, there was a commotion in the temple premises, but the security personnel immediately took control of the situation. Sukhbir Badal was taken to a safe place and security was provided from there for some time. Fortunately, Sukhbir Badal did not get any injury. If the security guards had not immediately controlled the man, this incident could have taken a serious turn.

The promptness of security guards Jasbir and Parminder foiled the attack. Jasbir first caught the attacker and then Parminder helped in his arrest.

Introduction of the attacker: Narayan Singh Chaura

The security personnel immediately took the attacker into custody. He was identified as 68-year-old Narayan Singh Chaura, a resident of Chaura village in Gurdaspur district. According to the police, Narayan Singh had been visiting the Golden Temple and offering prayers for the last two days and his activities seemed suspicious, so the police had already kept an eye on him. Initial investigation also revealed that he may be a Khalistani supporter and was angry with Sukhbir Badal over sacrilege issues.

Security issues and political stir

This incident has raised questions on the security arrangements of the Golden Temple and religious places. The police have started investigation and the accused is being questioned rigorously. ADCP Harpal Singh said that the accused may be motivated by religious fanaticism. The police have assured to tighten security and have decided to investigate the matter thoroughly.

After this attack, there has been a stir in Punjab politics as well. This incident is also raising serious questions on political leaders and their security, especially those leaders who are associated with religiously and politically sensitive issues.

Sevadar role of Sukhbir Badal and other leaders

This incident happened when Sukhbir Singh Badal was ordered to work as a sevadar in the Golden Temple under religious punishment (tankhah). This was the second day of his punishment. Sukhbir was on a wheelchair as he had a fracture in his leg. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Bikram Singh Majithia, and Daljit Singh Cheema also joined them as sevadars. Sukhbir and Sukhdev hung small boards around their necks, which mentioned the wrongdoings they had committed, and both of them worked at the temple for an hour.

Conclusion

This incident once again proves that danger can loom at any time and place. This attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal has not only raised concerns about his personal safety, but this incident also highlights the gap between religious fanaticism and political dissent. Security arrangements need to be strengthened further, so that such incidents can be avoided in future and peace can be maintained in the society.

#WATCH | Punjab: Bullets fired at Golden Temple premises in Amritsar where SAD leaders, including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, are offering 'seva' under the religious punishments pronounced for them by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on 2nd December.

Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/CFQaoiqLkx

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024